FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 6, 2021
The Abilities Connection Contact:
Bridget Doane
937-525-7441
bdoane@tacind.com
The Abilities Connection recognized for efforts to advance transportation equity
On December 8, 2021, representatives from the Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT) will present the ACT for Good award to The Abilities Connection (TAC), to recognize TAC’s efforts to advance transportation equity. The Association for Commuter Transportation is an international association and leading advocate for commuter transportation and transportation demand management
As part of ACT’s commitment to creating a better journey for everyone in their communities, ACT launched ACT for Good, which recognizes a non-profit organization working to advance transportation equity. The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC) is a member of ACT and nominated TAC for the award. ACT’s Midwest Chapter, which includes members from 12 states and Ontario, was one of two winners of the 2021 campaign and its members nominated five outstanding non-profits from throughout the Midwest. TAC received the most first place votes from members of the Midwest Chapter to receive the 2021 Act for Good award.
“MVRPC nominated TAC to represent as an exemplary non-profit organization that is advancing transportation equity for our region. TAC has shown great leadership within our Greater Regional Mobility Initiative Council and within their local Human Services Transportation Council in Clark County. They have highlighted their approach to expand their mission to improve transportation access for anyone who experiences barriers to employment by creating new partnerships within and surrounding their county,” said Selena Anderson, Transportation Coordination Planner for the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission. “It is no surprise that The Abilities Connection was nominated for the ACT for Good award for the ACT Midwest Chapter.”
The Abilities Connection has a fleet of 28 vehicles, which have traditionally transported people with developmental disabilities who are working at and receiving services at TAC or one of their community employment sites. In order to fully meet their mission of empowering people with disabilities and other barriers to reach their full potential, TAC identified a need to expand their transportation services to people in their community with unmet transportation needs to and from work, medical appointments, and education services. Following best practices the organization has established over the last eight years, TAC is currently launching pilot programs to meet the unmet transportation needs of local employees and employers.
“The Abilities Connection is honored to be recognized by the Association of Commuter Transportation with an ACT for Good award,” said Jim Zahora, CEO of The Abilities Connection. “We are committed to building relationships with new partners in our ongoing efforts to provide an affordable solution to underserved populations of our community to supplement our local public transportation system.”
—
About The Abilities Connection
TAC – The Abilities Connection is a leading 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization with a long history of providing employment, training, and dignity for people with disabilities. Manufacturing cargo nets for the U.S. Air Force, producing pet products, running a hydroponic lettuce farm and restaurant, providing educational opportunities, transportation services, and more—TAC’s incredible work spans a wide range of industries. But while TAC may have many services, they all power one mission: provide meaningful employment, training, and support to people with disabilities and other barriers. Visit www.tacind.com for the latest news and in-depth information about TAC.
About the Association for Commuter Transportation
The Association for Commuter Transportation is an international association and leading advocate for commuter transportation and transportation demand management (TDM). ACT strives to create an efficient multimodal transportation system by empowering the people, places, and organizations working to advance TDM in order to improve the quality of life of commuters, enhance the livability of communities, and stimulate economic activity.
About the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission
Founded upon the principles of regional collaboration, cooperation, and consensus building, the MVRPC serves as the common ground where area partners come together to work toward a shared vision across the Region. Together, public and private partners develop and implement innovative and sustainable strategies that enhance the Region’s quality of life and economic vitality.